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EGYPT TRAVEL EXPERTS

Guide to a Perfect trip in Egypt!

The Mortuary Temple Of Neferirkare

The pyramid of Neferirkare is located at the renowned necropolis of Abusir in Egypt. It was created by Sahure, the predecessor and father of Neferirkare. The pyramid was started by Neferirkare himself, who was the 3rd ruler of the famous 5th Dynasty of ancient Egypt. The pyramid was finished by his son Niuserre, after his death. It is built in the same fashion as the pyramid complex of his father Sahure and consists of a valley chamber, causeway, mortuary temple and the main pyramid, much of which is now ruined.

Neferirkare Kakai: Key Ruler Of Ancient Egypt

Neferirkare is now known to be the son of the second Pharaoh Sahure and Queen Meretnebty, as per the depictions found in the causeway of the pyramid of Sahure. His two sons from his Queen Khenkaus II (Neferefre and Niuserre) reigned as the Pharaohs of Egypt after Neferirkare. An old Abusir papyri discovered in early 20th century casts some light on the rule of this ancient Egyptian king. A decree found from an old Egyptian temple informs us that Neferirkare imposed taxes on every citizen of his kingdom, but is better known for his pyramid, which is also known as the "Pyramid of the Ba of Neferirkare."

The Superb Architecture Of The Pyramid Of Neferirkare Kakai

Neferirkare built the mortuary temple and the pyramid of this architectural complex, while the valley temple and the causeway were completed by his son Niuserre. There also might have been a smaller pyramid at the south of this huge pyramid, which was probably built for Queen Khenkaus II but is unfortunately totally ruined now.

More About It

Neferirkare's pyramid is a step pyramid and has six steps of limestone blocks, placed carefully one above the other. Workers likely tried to convert it into a true pyramid like the later ones, according to materials found in some parts of this pyramid. The entrance to the inner antechamber of the pyramid is north of the building and another door leads to the burial chamber on the western side.

Mortuary Temple

The main temple is made of limestone blocks, but the courtyard and the entrance hall are made of mud-bricks and supported by wooden pillars, which were built in the shape of lotus flowers.

Valley Temple And Causeway

Part of the valley temple and causeway were constructed into the pyramid for Niuserre, who finished his father’s pyramid after his death. All these parts are built with mud-bricks and were probably built in a hurry.

The whole complex was surrounded by a high mud-brick wall. Small houses of mud-bricks were built within the campus of this pyramid, which was probably inhabited by the priests, who operated in this mortuary temple and this practice lasted till the rule of the Sixth Dynasty of ancient Egypt. Two wooden boats were kept in the north and south of the pyramid, within the courtyard of this complex; these boats were mentioned in the collection of papyri that were found, stating about the reign and pyramid of Neferirkare. According to these papyri, the administration of the priests was led from this mortuary temple and many offerings were given to the other similar temples of this necropolis at Abusir.